5 Habits That Could Ruin Your Relationship

When you think of bad habits, what comes to mind? Biting your nails? Drinking too much soda? Most of the time, we don’t realize that we have a bad habit until it starts really affecting our health or those around us.

Becoming aware of a bad habit is the first step to breaking its power in your life. But did you know that you can have bad relational habits too? Check out this list of 5 bad habits that could be affecting your relationship’s health.

Too much petty – Tom Petty is excluded, of course 😉

Do you ever find yourself responding to your S.O. with a petty attitude? Maybe you don’t answer right away when they call because you’re still mad about something they did, or you tell them you’re fine when you’re definitely NOT fine. We’ve all experienced that need to somehow “get back” at our partners for something they did, whether it was intentional or not. I encourage you to throw out that way of thinking! It’s toxic to your relationship and turns it into one big score sheet. Instead, let’s practice giving our partners the benefit of the doubt. Most of the time, it’s unintentional and can be fixed by simply talking about how what they did made you feel. Open communication even about the little things can matter so much.

Put your phone to bed (but not in yours)

First of all, I’m in no way against technology. I think showing each other a funny meme or YouTube video is a great way to laugh together! But making your bed a place of rest and intimacy can benefit you both. One way of doing that is to make it a Facebook- and Instagram-free zone when you’re there together. This creates space for you to focus more on each other and your relationship needs.

Jumping to conclusions doesn’t burn calories *ugh*

If jumping to conclusions was a subject, I think some of us would have a doctorate in it, you feel me? I think the solution to not jumping to conclusions in your relationship is trust. That’s pretty plain and simple, but also not as easy to apply sometimes. Why? Because we have to learn to separate our insecurities from our partner’s intentions. If you trust that your S.O. isn’t out to just hurt you, then you’ll have a lot more peace of mind. The connection between the two of you will be so much stronger when you learn to trust their heart for you—so just because they didn’t text you back doesn’t actually mean they’re over you.

Take them out, not for granted

Taking your partner for granted can happen in small ways. One example is expecting a certain behavior without giving them affirmation. It’s always nice to get a thank you from your S.O., even if it’s for something expected, like taking out the trash or doing the dishes. Let them know how much you appreciate them! You’ll not only make them feel special by affirming them, but you’ll also create a flow of life into your relationship by being thankful.

Why so serious?

One sure-fire way to create unnecessary tension in your relationship is to take things too seriously. Have fun together! Life can get stressful with work, kids, money, etc., but one way to alleviate that is to enjoy each other. When you go to dinner, instead of bringing up one of the serious topics, maybe use some fun conversation starters to mix it up! One way to do that is by utilizing our Datebox subscription. Datebox offers conversation starters and activities in each date to ensure that you get the most out of your date night together. (For $10 off your first month, use the code honeyandboo!) A good laugh will help lower stress levels and increase feelings of satisfaction and love in your relationship. Win-win!

Kicking a habit to the curb can be a challenge, but when you and your partner are after the shared goal of improving your relationship, it creates togetherness instead of dissention. Commit together to making your relationship a top priority!

Jade Allen

Jade is sassy like a Georgia peach, queen of the stank face and best known for her selective hearing. Her favorite past time is kicking her boyfriend’s butt at 1 v. 1 soccer. She enjoys long slow walks down the aisles of target and buying clothes in every shade of black. 😉 Keep up with her on social media @r.jade.a